It is native to parts of South America, namely Brazil, but has spread its range in recent times and has occasionally become an invasive weed.

[1][2] In the past, several botanists have mistakenly applied the scientific name of the purpletop vervain, V. bonariensis, to this species.

The corolla is formed of fused petals that spread open at the end, and is just a little longer than the calyx.

[10][12] Verbena brasiliensis is currently found in many regions, including North America, Oceania, Africa, Asia, and Europe, where it is largely considered invasive.

Verbena brasiliensis is native in South America, specifically, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

[7] In the United States, it is found mostly in grasslands, rangelands, riparian zones, urban areas, and wetlands.

[1] The US states where the plant occurs include Oregon, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Hawaii.

[13] Verbena brasiliensis has been documented as a minor food source for large mammals and terrestrial birds, comprising 2-5% of their diet.

[12] Euphyes bayensis, or the Bay Skipper, is a small butterfly found only in herbaceous marshes in estuarine and coastal habitats.

[14] Verbena brasiliensis poses a threat to native plants because it may displace them from their natural habitat.

For removal of Verbena brasiliensis, the herbicide Triclopyr 480 has been successfully used on this plant in South Africa.

Outstar, a blend of hexazinone and sulfometuron, was tested in the southeast United States, and Verbena brasiliensis was found to be tolerant of both active ingredients.